Sunday, December 7, 2008

COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG DANCE

Judge Diane Malenfant (now, there’s a name with an interesting derivation, like some eight year old did something really bad 1200 years ago) must have had a bad case of a déjà vu (wow, two French references in the first sentence) today as she surveyed her final seven at the second day of the Eastern Dog Club show in Boston MA. Five of the seven were In Peter Green’s final the day before. Once again the Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche finished ahead of the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition. Once again the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, and the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice, were joined by the Boxer, CH Dramatic Story Of Sherry Shoot JP, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Pinecrest Rock The Boat.

CH Surrey Sweet Spice

Joining the party for the second time this weekend was the Bearded Collie, CH Brigadoon`s Firecracker. Only the Non-Sporting Group winner, the Minature Poodle, CH Surrey Sweet Spice, was a newcomer. And once again, the Pointer, Holly, sang another chorus of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” challenging number one dog, Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, to come up with another BIS to hold onto the top ranking. We knew they loved tradition in Boston, but we weren’t expecting anyone would win four in a row.

And speaking of lightning striking twice, our source in Biloxi tells us that the Chinese Shar Pei, CH Elite’s By Design, took her second BIS of the weekend, quite a feat at just 16 months old. All of this is leading us up to the big event, the Eukanuba National Championship. How about a poll? Who are you rooting for? Who do you think will win?

NUMBER EIGHT

NUMBER NINE

NUMBER TEN

SHOW INFO

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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